In some Francophone countries and international organisations, a chef de cabinet (French; literally 'head of office') is a senior official working for a high-ranking political or administrative figure. The most prominent are those of the chief of state themselves or a government minister. They are typically responsible for running the office (cabinet) and may serve a similar function to a private secretary (United Kingdom) or chief of staff (United States). In fact, in Canada the position is called Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister in English since 1987. Previously the Canadian position was called "Principal Secretary", as it still is in several other Commonwealth countries.
